THREE people have been arrested after a series of dawn raids as police investigated money laundering and cannabis supply.

Detectives from Colchester CID were backed up by the Operational Support Group as they searched an address in Berkley Close, Colchester, on Saturday morning.

They also raided properties in Elizabeth Avenue, Witham, and Nalla Gardens in Chelmsford.

Drugs a large amount of cash.

A 30 year-old man from Witham, a 32-year-old man from Colchester and a 34-year-old man from Chelmsford remain in custody on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis and money laundering offences.

Detective Sgt David Box said: “This has been a successful pre-planned operation targeting an organised criminal network and our investigations are ongoing.

I’d like to thank my team and our colleagues from OSG for their support today.

“I hope this sends a message that we are committed in disrupting the activities of those looking to cultivate and supply cannabis and profit from their illegal activities.”